Yes, support is offered for babies with tongue ties and other oral motor issues that can make feeding difficult. This includes help with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, looking at things like latch, positioning, and overall movement of the jaw, tongue, and neck. In-home and virtual sessions focus on understanding the root cause of feeding problems, using a mix of lactation consulting, physical therapy, and gentle bodywork. Parents are provided with guidance and practical tips for feeding, making sure both baby and parent feel confident and comfortable. I prepare parents for before and after tongue tie revisions or how to optimize function if parents do not want a procedure done.

Virtual breastfeeding support appointments are available for families anywhere in Iowa. These online sessions can help with feeding challenges, latch issues, positioning, and general questions about breastfeeding, all from the comfort of your home. You can book virtual evaluations and treatments easily through the website, making breastfeeding support accessible no matter where you live in Iowa.

In-home lactation consultant visits and physical therapy evaluations are available for families in Central Iowa. The initial evaluation includes a detailed assessment of your baby’s feeding, movement, and overall development. During this first visit, I will observe a feeding (breast or bottle), check your baby’s oral function—including tongue and jaw movements—and look at body mechanics that might affect feeding or comfort. You’ll get hands-on support with positioning, latch, and practical tips to use right away. The session also covers your questions about your baby’s feeding, fussiness, digestion, or motor skills. The goal is to find and address the root cause of any concerns, not just treat symptoms, and set up an action plan for what to work on at home.

Before your in-home lactation consultant visit, there’s no need to deep clean or do anything special. Just make sure there’s a comfortable spot to sit with your baby, like a couch or bed where you usually feed. If possible, have any feeding supplies you use—like bottles, pillows, or nipple shields—nearby. Try to feed your baby about 1-2 hours before the visit so your baby isn’t overly hungry or upset but will be ready to feed during the appointment. If you have any questions or concerns you want to discuss, writing them down ahead of time can help you remember. Pets can be put in another room if they might be a distraction, but they’re welcome to stay if they’re calm. The focus is on supporting you and your baby, so don’t stress about anything else.

Parent led baby classes are available to help parents support their baby’s feeding and development, and these work really well alongside my services. Classes like Gentle Touch focus on infant massage and calming techniques, Little Movers covers key movement skills like tummy time and rolling, and Tiny Tongues teaches feeding basics for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. These classes give practical tips on supporting your baby’s growth and are designed to make things easier at home, whether you’re starting lactation support or looking for ways to help your baby move and feed better. Classes are held in person in Ames, Iowa. See ‘Classes’ on the website for more details.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through the contact form or call/text 515-337-0575, I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.